When discussing house security, we often ignore the cornerstone behind home protection – the locks. You can only prevent someone from entering your home if it’s locked. It genuinely feels strange when someone is considering a high-end security system with innovative CCTV and every top-of-the-line security solution you can think of, yet they cheap out on basic locks for their home. It makes no sense. Naturally, all professional locksmiths suggest that your journey of better protecting your fortress starts precisely from the lock. But before choosing the perfect lock for your needs, you must consider at least 7 crucial factors.
Factor 1: Consider different types of locks
Let’s start with the obvious one. When installing a lock, you need to know exactly what type of lock you need. This may sound redundant, but several types of locks have their own specifications and uses. For example, a keyless lock can work wonders for an outdoor location like a front door. Needless to say, using such for your bathroom or interior doors is a bit of an overkill.
Moreover, with a keyless lock, you will significantly reduce the need for maintenance, which means it’s an excellent fit for locations you don’t often use. On the other hand, a doorknob or a deadbolt is perfect for an entry door that is located indoors – for example, for an apartment in a building. As they are the second line of defence and are protected from the elements, you don’t need to go overboard with your budget and get additional keyless locks. But, of course, that’s up to you.
Moreover, the type of lock should reflect the level of security you want to integrate and the door type.
Factor 2: Understand door lock security grades
When talking about security, you need to understand that there is no 100% proof secure locks. If someone wants to break and enter your facility or home, you can only delay them, and that’s where the security grades come into play. The lowest security grades are only a suggestion to people that you wouldn’t want anyone to enter your property. They are typically easily breakable and can easily be picked. On the flip side, a high-security grade can make even a professional burglar sweat. Your goal should be to discourage burglars from trying to enter by introducing the risks of them getting caught.
This being said, you need to know which security grade to take. The security grade usually represents the lock’s durability and resistance to force. For example, a low-grade lock can withstand much lower force than a high-grade lock. Moreover, it will take around 600,000 more cycles of use for the high-end lock to deteriorate. So, if you are looking for a front door lock, consider the lock that provides the best security. On the other hand, if the lock is for the second line of defence, you can go with a lower grade.
Factor 3: The location of the lock is important
As it probably has become evident, choosing a lock is highly dependent on where you need it. Each lock has a security potential, which can be reached only when it’s placed on doors at the precise location for which it was meant. Otherwise, the lock will still perform its primary duties, but you will pay much more than you need to achieve the same result.
For example, a smart or keyless lock would function just as well in an interior door or even a bathroom, but far cheaper options will do precisely the same job. Moreover, deadbolts, for example, are highly impractical for internal doors, which are not entry. So if you put a deadbolt lock on your living room or kitchen doors, it won’t be a good fit by any means.
Moreover, a high-grade lock on an interior door will only inflate your budget without really adding anything of value.
Factor 4: Decide your budget
Naturally, when buying new home locks, you’d need to determine your budget. Of course, that’s easier said than done, especially if you need several locks in different locations. In addition, you will have to choose from different brands and grades, which may take time. Still, preparing a budget based on types and security grades will give you a rough estimate of how much you will have to spend on the locks alone. As already mentioned, cheaping out on door locks is not a great idea since you will lose far more if you have a break-in. However, not only the locks should be premium. The locksmith you hire to install your locks should also be trustworthy, have credentials and inspire security. So, whenever you research, make sure not to choose your locksmith by how much they charge but by how many satisfied clients they have.
Factor 5: Read reviews
Naturally, just like with any other service or product, you should read many reviews before going after the lock or the locksmith. Actually, reviews can give you far more information than any locksmith regarding your door. Therefore, even if you choose a cheaper alternative, you will know the downsides precisely and be prepared for them. But, on the other hand, getting a good locksmith without reading reviews is practically impossible. Thus, reading reviews may be the most critical step in choosing your home locks.
Factor 6: Choose the features of your lock
The best teacher, of course, is the experience others like you have, so after you are done reading reviews, you will have a fuller picture of what you need. So now is the time to decide on what features your lock would need. For example, if you live in an area with a high risk of burglary, consider opting for a tampering prevention system. Of course, this would scale the price of your lock, but ultimately, if security is at risk, any additional spending is justified.
Naturally, most features can be found in smart locks, so you should invest the time and learn which will fit your lifestyle and needs ideally.
Factor 7: Determine if you want a smart lock
In the end, naturally, it’s time to make a decision. The most significant decision will be whether to go for a smart lock or not. Smart locks, without a doubt, are secure and convenient. They are a failsafe if your mind often flies off elsewhere and you forget to lock or often lock yourself out. It can be convenient for letting contractors, cleaners or other service personnel on your property.
On the other hand, smart locks are quite expensive, especially if you want them to have a WiFi feature (which is mandatory for remote locking and unlocking). So you might opt for an electronic lock if your budget doesn’t allow it. It does pretty much the same, except for the convenience of giving access remotely.
Decision time
When all is said and done, you will need to compromise on something. We advise you not to compromise on security. Otherwise, it’s entirely up to your taste if you decide to go for a higher budget and convenience.